In reading “A Raisin in the Sun” By Lorraine Hansberry, focuses more on Bonds and conflicts between men and women, parents and children, old ways and new ways. Walter sees his wife, mother and sister especially, as women who need to be seen and not heard. For example, According to Hansberry “ a man ought to learn in life is not to make love to no colored women first thing in the morning”(27) in this example, Walter states not making love to colored women, he feels as though they are angry and evil. In the first two Act’s we see Walter as very selfish and doesn’t see no other way but his way. Another example is “ Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you are crazy about messing around with sick people then go be a nurse like other women or just get married and be quiet.”(38) In addition,These quotes show just how looked down on women were when it came to wanting to be something more than a nurse. Women were expected to bear babies and be a stay at home wife or be a nurse like every other woman. Most black women during this time period were expected to work as domestic servants in homes of wealthy white people. I found that women weren’t allowed to apply for certain jobs or colleges in the 1950’s. For example “Women were underrepresented both as students and faculty members at institutes of higher education, comprising just 21 percent of college students in the mid-1950s. Some schools banned women from applying or put restrictive quotas on how many they would accept.” In this jarring example, this evidence talks about the treatment women were given. Colleges had an amount of women to accept into their colleges, women weren’t seen as smart or worthy, The main issue in the 1950’s was segregation in housing and education. As for Black women in the 1950’s and 1960’s who worked as domestics were generally treated as uneducated, poor, and child-like creatures.
In Act II of A Raisin in The Sun, we see more of Beneatha’s personality. We see how she is more free spirited than the rest of the characters and wanting to follow her own path, Walter, MAMA, and Ruth feel as though Bennie is quite disrespectful when it comes to them. The scene where Bennie cuts all her hair off Ruth states “ you expect this boy to go out with you with your head all nappy like that?” which Beneatha Replies “That’s up to George. If he’s ashamed of his heritage”(80). In the African culture women were not seen to have lots of hair, they would cut their hair to show an act of self-liberation and assertion of freedom. Looking back on the Introduction By Robert Nemiroff, he talks about how In 1959, when the play was presented, the rich variety of Afro styles introduced in the mid- 1960s had not yet arrived: the very few black women who wore their hair unstraightened cut it very short. When the hair of Diana Sands (who created the role) was cropped in this fashion, however, a few days before the opening, it was not contoured to suit her: her particular facial structure required a fuller Afro, of the sort she in fact adopted in later years.” But now in the modern world when a woman cuts her hair it is seen as a sign of strength and beauty.
Benethea is a very strong willed and opinionated person, some would call her a feminist. In a Raisin In The Sun Bennie stated her opinion on god and how she feels like god shouldn’t be taking the credit for human kind’s work. For example Benethea states “it’s just that I get tired of Him getting credit for all the things the human race achieves through its own stubborn effort.” MAMA who grew up praising god and believing in him felt as though Bennie was being disrespectful. In some cultures, in this case the African American culture, kids weren’t allowed to talk back to their parents or state their opinions. I think Bennie was just stating how she felt about God and basically saying he’s overrated and MAMA took that as her being disrespectful to her and the lord above, which caused Benethea to shut down. There is a power between a parent and a child, a parent is seen as the big bad wolf and having control while the child is seen as a puppy dog doing as it’s told without any explanation or back talk. For example in the parenthesis it states “ after there is only silence and the daughter drops her eyes from her mother’s face, and MAMA is very tall before her” (51). This quote justifies MAMA standing her ground and making it known that she is the parent and you should obey.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1.How come there’s this stigma that kids shouldn’t be able to speak their minds to their parents?
2.How does the concept of the ‘American Dream’ unfold in A Raisin in the Sun, and how do the characters’ aspirations reflect the societal challenges of the time?
Works Cited:
Hansberry, Lorraine. “A Raisin in the Sun.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Raisin_in_the_Sun.
How come there is this stigma that kids should not be able to speak their minds to their parents?
There is this stigma that kids should not be able to speak their minds to their parents because kids nowadays are afraid to speak up to parents because most times parents can just completely avoid what the kids are saying and not focus on the main point of what the kids are trying to tell them. Mental health also is a key factor for kids and speaking up to parents because they feel some sort of stigma which could relate to shame which relates to stigma. Mental health is a very popular and huge topic and the effects and children are being affected in a very sad way. Depression is popular with any age group and kids nowadays and they are afraid to tell their parents because they are not sure how parents would react. Bennie could relate to the shame side of things and possibly depression, on page 80 where Bennie cuts all her hair off. Cutting all hair off for no reason is a sign of shame which is the definition of stigma.
Interesting ideas here, Kyle! Keep in mind that you must incorporate and analyze a quote from the reading in order to receive full credit for your comments. I also recommend reviewing the slides and handouts on close reading. With these comments, our main goal is to analyze the author’s use of language (in this case Hansberry’s).
Score: 2 out of 5
Hi Jade,
This is a great reflection on the character dynamics in the play and how the societal context contributes to these. I particularly found your first paragraph interesting about Walter’s treatment of the women in his life. His sexism and feeling of superiority over women is abundantly clear, and I think you accurately described how the context of the time informed these views. I also think that Walter behaves in this way towards women as a way to control his life and exhibit power in a world where he does not have a lot. He finds it helpful to blame the women in his life for the way his life is, instead of looking at the broader social structures at play, and how the women are also suffering. I think this is apparent on pages 32-34, in which Walter is fighting with Ruth. He says, “That’s it. There you are. Man say to his woman: I got me a dream. His woman say: Eat your eggs. (Sadly, but gaining in power) Man say: I got to take hold of this here world, baby! And woman will say: Eat your eggs and go to work. (Passionately now) Man say: I got to change my life, I’m choking to death, baby! And his woman say (in utter anguish as he brings his fists down on his thighs) – Your eggs is getting cold!” (33-34).
It is clear in this passage that Walter is frustrated with his life, and is blaming his wife for holding him back or not supporting him enough. He is expressing his frustration over her simply asking him to eat his food and go to work, but in reality, this is all Ruth can do. She also has no control over their situation, and is simply doing her best to care for them. He expresses no gratitude for feeding him, and for her perseverance despite their situation. I just think it is interesting to think about what motivates Walter’s anger towards women, specifically the black women in his life. He sees them as a scape goat for practically everything bad in his situation, although truly this is the fault of systemic racism, not the women in his life. It’s just interesting to think about how the racial dynamics and gender dynamics intersect in this way.
Excellent job with this comment, Raquel! These ideas, in particular, are especially sharp:
“I also think that Walter behaves in this way towards women as a way to control his life and exhibit power in a world where he does not have a lot. He finds it helpful to blame the women in his life for the way his life is, instead of looking at the broader social structures at play, and how the women are also suffering.”
Moving forward, you can further support ideas like this with a bit more close reading. By this I mean, you could point out in that important quote from the play how Walter’s lines (and the stage directions) indicate his increasing power in this domestic scene (a power that, as you say, he doesn’t have in the broader society due to discrimination and a lack of opportunities).
Score: 5 out of 5
Hi Jade! This is a great reflection on Act II of “A Raisin in the Sun”! It gives such great insight into the entirety of Act II as well as the characters and societal demands during this period. There is a stigma, in my opinion, that children shouldn’t be allowed to express their opinions to their parents because parents are seen as the head of the household and are therefore assumed to be wiser. I believe that, particularly many years ago, it was considered impolite for a child to disagree with their parents or other senior family members; instead, they were supposed to listen and do what they were instructed, with no questions asked. This is seen in Lorraine Hansberry’s play when Travis attempts to explain why he was out later than typically allowed and Ruth will not allow him to explain himself… “(The front door opens slowly, interrupting him, and Travis peeks his head in, less than hopefully) Travis: Mama, I – Ruth: “Mama, I” nothing! You’re going to get it, boy! Get on in that bedroom and get yourself ready! Travis: But I – Mama: Why don’t you all never let the child explain hisself” (90). In this scene, Ruth wants to hear no explanation from Travis. I think she only sees that he not only disrespected her, left her with a great deal of worry by not arriving home when expected, and as a result, does not care for any reasoning he may have for coming home late.
Nice job with this comment, Giulia! I wonder what you make of Hansberry’s depiction of characters (especially Beneatha) who challenge their parents’ authority. Does her depiction of these characters seem to reinforce the idea that children should be seen and not heard, or does it seem to be challenging that idea? Is Beneatha’s back-talk to her mother heroic or disrepectful?
Score: 5 out of 5
Hi Jadé, first I would like to say that I loved your analysis of the play and how you brought in other resources to back up your evidence and also brought in evidence from the previous acts to support them. To answer your second question, the American dream definition is so vague because it depends on what you want. I believe the American dream is coming to America and trying to find a job and stability while also trying to feel safe and welcome by having the freedom to express yourself religiously, culturally or otherwise. This land was built on money and every single person in that house feels it. Getting that 10,000-check meant everything, even if some didn’t express it as much as others. And it comes back to your first question about the stigma of talking back to parents and having different beliefs. Mama and Bennie did not have the same experiences I think that’s also why there is a such a disagreement with the two about God and what his role is in society. Walter and Bennie have different experiences from Mama because mama had to worry about getting killed while Walter and Bennie don’t always have to worry about it, but they have the money struggle. In the book Mama says “No . . . something has changed. You something new, boy. In my time we was worried about not being lynched and getting to the North if we could and how to stay alive and still have a pinch of dignity too. . . Now here come you and Beneatha talking bout things we ain’t never even thought about hardly, me and your daddy. You ain’t satisfied or proud of nothing we done. I mean that you had a home; that we kept you out of trouble till you was grown; that you don’t have to ride to work on the back of nobody streetcar, you my children, but how different we done become.” (pg. 74) I think this emphasizes on why Mama and beneath have different point of views on religion and how vague the American dream is.
Great job with this comment, Abby! That is one of the most important quotes in the play, where we get insight into the intergenerational conflicts and different values of Mama’s generation, as compared to her children. Moving forward, see if you can do a bit more close reading of Hansberry’s language (analysis not only of what Mama is saying, but how she’s saying it). What is her tone as she speaks those lines? How do you interpret that accusation she makes (“you ain’t satisfied or proud…”)? What do we learn about her past, and the pasts of all the characters, in those lines? Slowing down to do a bit more close reading and analysis will make your already-strong comments even stronger.
Also: make sure to review the rules for MLA style citations (there’s no pg. in the parentheses).
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Hey Jade!
I really enjoyed the point you made about Beneatha being a feminist and how it contrasted the misogynistic way that women were typically treated during the time period. Mama and Beneatha are both evidently from different periods of thinking, with mama believing that women are homeowners, and Beneatha wanting to become a doctor, this creates tension between the two doctors, especially when Beneatha speaks her mind about religion, against what mama believes.
There is an issue that arises when it comes to how children and parents interact based on how people are raised. There are different cultures in parenting that change from generation to generation, with the older demanding respect and the younger feeling respect is earned. This can be seen with Mama and Beneatha, Beneatha wanting to speak her mind but as it is against Mama’s beliefs, mama feels attacked and that Beneatha is being disrespectful. John Petersen, a Clinical Psychologist with a background in family psychology says “With threats, punishment, shaming, bribes, and rewards, we use various forms of our power to get kids to respect authority. Our success has been our downfall. We’ve unwittingly taught kids to respect the power and control of authority, losing sight of the more important goal of respecting relationships and respecting each other as individuals.” (https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/respect/#:~:text=We%20need%20to%20demonstrate%20respect%20for%20each%20other,earned%20by%20acknowledgement%20of%20innate%20worth%20and%20equality.) This is directly what has happened between Beneatha and mama, Mama demands respect but has given her daughter little reason to respect the religion she holds so dearly.
This is not to say that Beneatha does not respect mama at all, she actually goes out of her way to tell Walter to mind his own business and what mama does with the insurance money is her choice, and how he should not try to influence her for his own personal gain. Beneatha says “But the insurance money belongs to Mama. Picking on me is not going to make her give it to you to invest in any liquor stores and I for one say, God bless Mama for that!” (Page 41) This gets brushed off though because Beneatha is seen as lesser, either because she is a woman or because she is so outspoken in her feminism. Even ruth asks her to stop arguing and to pipe down, to comply with the image of a woman only speaking when being spoken to. Despite Beneatha coming to mama’s defense, there is still a power struggle between mama and Beneatha, and mama feels as if her daughter does not respect her. Petersen also states “We’ve taught kids to value power and control so much that they want it for themselves. When kids set out to gain this elevated standing, power struggles with their parents can grow… the more a parent identifies with power and control, the more likely they are locked in protracted conflict with one or more of their children.” This is also seen in the play, the conflict growing into Beneatha wanting to achieve more for herself, but Mama does not respect her as she sees herself as the only one deserving of respect. With Beneatha wanting to do more and better herself, mama may feel threatened by a possible dynamic change.
Lots of interesting ideas here, Derek! Moving forward, make sure to focus on close reading (analysis of Hansberry’s language). For example, you could discuss how funny (perhaps even ironic) it is that Beneatha “blesses” Mama in the quote you’ve included, given that a blessing is a religious act, and we know these two do not see eye to eye on religion. Please also review the rules of capitalization and MLA-style citations (there is no “page” in the parentheses).
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Hi Jade,
I really enjoyed reading your post and I found that your reflection on the characters, as well as the conflicts they highlight, was very clear and well thought out. I think what I enjoyed reading the most was the paragraph you devoted to Beneatha’s new haircut at the beginning of Act II. Indeed, the details and informations that you bring to your explanation are very revelant and interesting. I would like to try to answer one of your questions which is the following : how does the concept of the « American Dream » unfold in A Raisin in the Sun, and how do the characters’ aspirations reflect the societal challenges of the time?
« A Raisin in the Sun » delves into the complexities of the «American Dream », particularly for African Americans in the 1950s. The Younger family’s aspirations reflect the social challenges of the time as they strive for better opportunities and upward mobility amidst racial discrimination and economic hardship. In fact, it is possible here to evoke the scene in which Mama reveals to her children that she bought a house with the money from the check. We can particularly rely on these quotes which she dedicates to the attention of her grandson : « Well —at least let me tell him something. I want him to be the first one to hear… Come here, Travis. Travis — you know that money we got in the mail this morning? » (92) and « She went out and bought you a house! You glad about the house? It’s going to be yours when you get to be a man. » (92). Here it is essential to note all the pride Mama felt in having bought a house for her family. Indeed, the latter has always lived in a shabby apartment in which Travis, the child, has no room or even a bed to sleep in. All of Mama’s expressiveness could then be translated into a great happiness experienced by this woman who seems to have spent all the money inherited by her late husband in the purchase of this house. This sacrifice then seems to be one of the ways for this family to achieve the « American Dream». The joy and gratitude expressed by Travis, as well as Ruth, shows that this acquisition finally allows them to fight against one of the societal challenges of the time namely the financial inequality between white people and black people. Each character’s dream, whether it’s Walter’s desire for success, Beneatha’s pursuit of education and identity, or Mama’s hope for a home, highlights the struggles and obstacles faced by black families in achieving their version of the « American Dream ».
Great job with this comment, Amandine! Your observation about the pride in Mama’s quote is especially sharp. Moving forward, see if you can deepen this close reading even more. For instance, it seems significant that in the quote you’ve included, Mama says that she bought the house specifically for Travis and imagines a future moment (a sort of flash forward) when he will be the head of the household. How do you interpret that?
Score: 5 out of 5
Hi Jade! I really enjoyed your blog post and deep analysis of Act two! To answer one of your discussion questions, I do think that there is this stigma for kids sticking up to their parents. I think this is partially because of time periods. Most, or at least some, of the adults in our lives came from an age where speaking up against a parents or other adults wish was frowned upon, which was heavily based on the ideas of respect. Much like how in the book “A Raisin In The Sun”, Mama is the head of the household and everyone needs to bow down to her ideas and beliefs because of her age. She is deemed the more knowledgeable one of the group because of her age and experiences. “WALTER: Where did you go this afternoon? MAMA: I went downtown to tend to some business that I had to tend to. WALTER: What kind of business? MAMA: You know better than to question me like a child, Brother,” (91). In this short dialogue, Walter is asking where his mother has gone to and the mom answers shortly. They both know there is more to the answer she is giving, but if she is not willing to tell him then the conversation should die down, because he questions her again she shuts him down fully.
I think this shows how there will always be some sort of stigma when it comes to parents and children, parents will usually believe that they do not owe the child an explanation while all the child is doing is being curious. In this specific case, I think Mama is refusing to tell Walter because they both know where she went, and they both know he will not be happy with the answer he receives. I also think that this stigma revolves around the time period because Mama is the oldest character in the book and she is in charge of everything. With the time period this book was written in/for, the oldest in the house had the final “say” in whatever was going on. When Mama tells Walter to stop treating her like a brother I think she is really saying stop asking me questions like you would one of your friends because I do not owe you anything. Rather than simply explaining herself, she is sticking to her guns because she knows she does not have to tell her son where she had gone, it is simply not his business. I do not think this stigma should continue, I think there is a fine line between sticking up against your parents and being naturally curious, which is where the lines of this particular stigma become blurry.
Nice job with comment, April! Moving forward, see if you can be more specific (instead of stating “the time period this book was written,” go ahead and tell us when it was written: 1959). Also, please review the rules of MLA-style citations. All quotes should be introduced:
Hansberry writes, “WALTER: Where did you go this afternoon? MAMA: I went downtown to tend to some business that I had to tend to. WALTER: What kind of business? MAMA: You know better than to question me like a child, Brother,” (91).
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Hi Jade. I enjoyed reading your blog post. I strongly agree that throughout the play there are several issues regarding gender and the difference of generational values. During the time period of the book, households held unfair standards. Women were expected to care for their families while men were known as the “providers.” Even in today’s society, these expectations remain true. For example, stay-at-home moms are more normalized then stay at stay-at-home dads. When a mother is a stay-at-home mom, It is expected that the father has a high-paying job so that the mother can stay home with the child. The main focus however should be that the child is cared for. The world is too focused on expectations when in reality all that matters is that the family can care and provide for their child. Additionally, I agree with your point made in the second paragraph. It is clear to see that there is a lot of tension between Benetha and Mama. Benetha is very headstrong and willing to speak her mind. However, Mama has high expectations and places a heavy emphasis on respect. Bernetha’s actions/words lead for Mama to punish although Benetha does not always believe she deserves it. In Act One we see a clear example of this. Benetha tells her family her plan to become a doctor first and worry about marriage after that. Her mother replies ” ‘Course you going to be a doctor, honey, God willing” (50). These words enrage Benetha because she feels God has nothing to do with this and she is tired of hearing about God. God seems to have done nothing to help their current situation. Benetha says “Mama, you don’t understand. It’s all a matter of ideas, and God is just one idea I don’t accept. It’s not important. I am not going out and be immoral or committing crimes because I don’t believe in God. I don’t even think about it. It’s just that I get tired of Him getting credit for all the things the human race achieves through its own stubborn effort. There simply is no blasted God—there is only man and it is he who makes miracles!” (51). Mama reaches over the table slapping Benetha. This relates to your question- How come there’s this stigma that kids shouldn’t be able to speak their minds to their parents? I think that this stigma is created based on both respect and expectations. Every parent has a different style of parenting and holds different expectations for their children. Many parents demand respect and want their authority to be known. Many parents want their thoughts/decisions to be obeyed without any disagreement. From Mama’s point of view, she values religion and sees Benetha’s comment as disrespectful and to correct Benetha’s behavior she slaps her. However, instead of choosing to use violence, Mama could have had a conversation with Benetha and explained her disapproval of Benetha’s words.
Lots of interesting ideas here, Erin! Moving forward, see if your comments can focus more on close reading: analysis of Hansberry’s language. How, for instance, does Beneatha’s manner of speaking relate to Mama’s way of speaking in the quotes you’ve included here? You can use your close reading handout and “Anatomy of a Close Reading Paragraph” to guide you:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KSqRcMxBFdMl5i64HnbwDqSDJwPbr_Wd9aB_Ned1PxI/edit#heading=h.8wn04mu080ty
Score: 5 out of 5
I’d like to answer your first question. I don’t believe there is a stigma that kids shouldn’t be able to speak their minds to their parents. There is a stigma that children shouldn’t be disrespectful to their parents, and bad mouthing their religion is quite disrespectful. Kids shouldn’t be disrespectful to their parents because they are the sole reason they exist and continue to exist. In your post you used the quote “it’s just that I get tired of Him getting credit for all the things the human race achieves through its own stubborn effort.”. I believe to use this quote in such a bold statement requires more context. Not only did Bennie blatantly state god does not exist, but she also stated that he shouldn’t get any credit for the doings of mankind. I do understand where you’re coming from, but she did a lot more than say he was overrated. She disrespected someone’s religion in her own home, while being supported by said person.
Good points here, Conor. Moving forward, make sure that your comment introduces and analyzes a quote from the reading that hasn’t already been discussed by the author of the blog post. Please also review the rules of MLA-style citations.
Score: 3 out of 5
How come there’s this stigma that kids shouldn’t be able to speak their minds to their parents?
Jade,
I think you did an excellent job on your blog post! I think your analysis of Walter as a character was particularly well written, specifically when you explain his personal views and how they coincide with the time of the play. To answer your discussion question, “How come there’s this stigma that kids shouldn’t be able to speak their minds to their parents?” I believe that this stigma exists because of the importance of respecting one’s elders. As we read in the play, respect is expected by the mothers. On page 91 of “A Raisin in the Sun,” there was an interesting exchange between Mama and Ruth. As Travis comes home late and Ruth prepares to discipline him, Mama starts to speak up. Ruth states, “’Mama I’ nothing! You’re going to get it, boy! Get on in that bedroom and get yourself ready” (Hansberry 90). Then, after Travis starts to speak once more Mama says, “Why don’t you all never let the child explain hisself” to which Ruth responds, “Keep out of it Lena. (MAMA clamps her lips together)” (Hansberry 90). The stage directions for Mama in this quote are significant because Mama, as the head of the household, respects Ruth’s position of authority over Travis because as soon as Ruth addressed Lena, she realized her place in the situation which wasn’t Travis’s mother, therefore not his disciplinarian. As we read in other parts of the play, respect from her own children is just as important to her, so she understands Ruth’s position and decides to keep quiet. Because of Mama’s recognition of Ruth’s authority, this can suggest that the stigma around kids not speaking their minds to their parents is due to generational respect and authority.
Great job with this comment, Katie! Your analysis of those stage directions is especially compelling.
Score: 5 out of 5
How come there’s this stigma that kids shouldn’t be able to speak their minds to their parents?
This is a great question and one I didn’t think I would have found so thought-provoking. I feel as if there is a stigma because parents want their kids to be like them and how they were raised to not talk back to their parents. I feel you see this in this book a lot, especially with this quote you included in your blog post where Beneatha said “it’s just that I get tired of Him getting credit for all the things the human race achieves through its own stubborn effort.” and Mama who was raised believing and praising God felt like Beneatha was being disrespectful. This is exactly the reason why there is a stigma for why kids don’t speak their minds to their parents. A lot of kid’s parents may just not understand their kid’s beliefs like how Mama may not understand why Beneatha does not have a strong belief in God as she does.
Interesting ideas here, Conor. Looking ahead, make sure that your comment introduces and analyzes a quote from the reading that hasn’t already been discussed by the author of the blog post. Please also review the rules of MLA-style citations.
Score: 3 out of 5
Hello Jade, I believe your blog post was amazing. To answer your question, How come there’s this stigma that kids shouldn’t be able to speak their minds to their parents? It is a weird one overall. I say this because many kids do not have the confidence in themselves to stand up to their parents. On top of that, I believe this question relates to the belief one has. Benetha has shown throughout the act that her mother’s belief is not something she believes in. As well Walter thinks the same especially when the Momma feels threatened. Benetha also is frustrated when she believes God only takes the credit. Most people do not understand one’s belief but rather than talk and make everything else worse, I believe most should just respect one’s belief.
Hi Alex, please review the requirements for the blog comments. This comment does not meet the requirements for the assignment (most importantly, to incorporate and analyze a quote from the reading). The requirements for comments can be found in the syllabus and on the slides from class.
Score: 1 out of 5
Hi Jade, great blog post this week. I really liked the amount of detail you went into when talking about women expectations, but especially black women’s expectation. The quote used where Beneatha says “that’s up to George. If he’s ashamed of his heritage” (page 80) is pretty powerful as it shows the importance and what it means to her. I think this quote is a direct example of Beneathas character and how she isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
To answer your first discussion question I think there is a stigma kids can’t speak there mind to there parents because of almost being afraid of what they will think. Almost like they’d look at their kids differently. To answer your second question the concept of the american dream unfolds and how the characters aspirations reflect the societal challenges there are a couple different answers to this. The american dream is such a big goal to the family that it is almost seperating the family because of the mixed opinions on the money. The characters aspirations are affected by the societal changes because of the time they were in and how hard it is to be successful in that time period. Overall I really enjoyed your blog post this week and look forward to your in class lesson!
Nice job with this comment, Jack! Just so you know, you do not have to answer both discussion questions; it’s better to focus on one. Looking ahead, see if you can deepen your close reading, that is, your analysis of Hansberry’s language. Please also make sure to run a spelling and grammar check on your comments; this one has mistakes with spelling (separating), possessives (Beneatha’s), capitalization (American), and homonyms (there/their).
Score: 4 out of 5
Hi Jade, I loved your blog post how the book is surround by conflict between the men and the women through out the book and also between mother’s and their children. there’s often a belief that kids should listen to their parents without questioning or disagreeing. This can be because parents are seen as the bosses in the family, and kids are expected to follow their rules without talking back. Sometimes, parents think they know best and don’t want to hear different opinions from their children. Also, children might be scared of upsetting their parents or getting into trouble if they speak up. It’s like there’s a rule that says kids should keep quiet and not argue with their parents.This way of thinking can make it hard for families to have honest conversations. But it’s important for kids to feel like they can share their thoughts and feelings with their parents without being afraid. When families talk openly and respectfully, everyone can understand each other better and get along more happily. In the book mama says “ now that will do. I just ain’t going to have ‘round here reciting the scriptures in vain– you hear me?”(46) then Beneatha says “ how did I manage to get on everybody’s wrong side by just walking into a room?”(46). This quotes show that even just by walking in a room can cause conflict and cause a fight between family memebers or just people in general no matter how hard they try not to. In “A Raisin in the Sun,” the characters all want a better life, but they face big challenges because they’re African American and living in a time when racism and inequality were widespread. Walter wants to be a successful businessman, Ruth wants a stable home, Beneatha dreams of becoming a doctor, and Mama wants to own a house. These dreams show how they all long for something more, but it’s hard for them to achieve because of the tough circumstances they’re in. Their struggles reflect what many African American families were going through at the time, trying to make a better life despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities. The play shows how even though the American Dream promises success to everyone who works hard, it’s not always that simple, especially for people facing societal challenges like racism and poverty.
Lots of interesting ideas here, Juliana! Moving forward, keep in mind that your comments do not need to address every aspect of the reading; instead, they should have one main point (like a thesis) that is supported by a quote from the reading. See the example “Anatomy of a Close Reading Paragraph”: (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KSqRcMxBFdMl5i64HnbwDqSDJwPbr_Wd9aB_Ned1PxI/edit#heading=h.8wn04mu080ty).
Please also make sure to run a spelling and grammar check on your comments before submitting them: this comment has some small errors with plurals vs. possessives (mothers), capitalization, and spelling (members).
Score: 4 out of 5